Here are the highlights of Surface:
– Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full sized USB port, and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges that are angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the PC fade into the background and the software stand out.

– VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light, and rigid/strong.

– Integrated Kickstand: This unique VaporMg approach also enables a built in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front or rear facing video cameras. It is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.

– Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses key strokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector forming a natural spine like you find on a book and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.

Release Dates:
Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT and one with a third generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later. Both will be sold in the Microsoft Stores in the US and available through select online Microsoft Stores. Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Contributing to an Expanded Ecosystem
One of the strengths of Windows is its extensive ecosystem of software and hardware partners, delivering selection and choice that makes a customer’s Windows experience uniquely their own. This continues with Surface. Microsoft is delivering a unique contribution to an already strong and growing ecosystem of functional and stylish devices delivered by OEMs to bring the experience of Windows to consumers and businesses around the globe.